1 The Impressive Dragon Claw Rock Beach on Co To Island
Dragon Claw Rock Beach is a spectacular attraction on Co To Island, where rock and water blend harmoniously. In the past, this beach was also known as Cau My Rock Beach. It has a romantic yet unique beauty, with rocks in a variety of colors and shapes. Covering an area of more than 40 ha and stretching for about 2 km, it extends along Co To's northeast–southwest axis. A trip to discover its untouched beauty and fascinating history is an experience that visitors to Quang Ninh should not miss.
The name Dragon Claw itself is associated with many intriguing stories, helping us imagine the majestic beauty of the rocky headland reaching out into the sea. According to longtime island residents, Dragon Claw Rock Beach has been here for a very long time. Viewed from afar, the beach resembles a large rat's tail, with rocky outcrops reaching into the sea. According to ancient books, the beach was once called Cau Thu My, which locals shortened to the easier-to-remember name Cau My.
The striking layers and veins of rock at Dragon Claw Rock Beach. Photo: laodong
This is a popular check-in spot among young travelers. Photo: iVIVU
2 Important Information to Keep in Mind When Visiting Dragon Claw Rock Beach
2.1 How to Get to Dragon Claw Rock Beach
Dragon Claw Rock Beach is not far from the center of Co To Island, and the route is relatively easy to find. Visitors to Quang Ninh can therefore travel by private vehicle or rent one. MIA.vn recommends the following options:
Motorbike: A favorite choice among adventure travelers, as it lets you enjoy the lush green scenery along the way. Renting a motorbike also gives you more flexibility. Rental prices here are a little higher, ranging from 180.000đ - 250.000đ/day. You can ask about rentals at your hotel or in the area where you are staying.
Electric vehicle: A good option if you would rather not navigate yourself or are not a confident driver. Electric vehicles are reasonably priced and convenient for larger groups. They stop at the top of the mountain, allowing you to admire Dragon Claw Rock Beach from above. Rental prices range from 1.000.000đ – 1.800.000đ/vehicle, depending on the type.
2.2 The Ideal Time to Visit
Based on travel experience, you can visit Dragon Claw Rock Beach in summer to admire it at its most beautiful and take plenty of memorable check-in photos. The period from May to August brings lovely sunny weather and refreshing breezes, with little risk of heavy rain or storms. It is also the peak tourist season, so visitors can take advantage of a wide range of services.
You should visit Dragon Claw Rock Beach in summer. Photo: iVIVU
3 Discover the Highlights of Dragon Claw Rock Beach
3.1 Impressive, Untouched Natural Scenery
Studies have found that Dragon Claw Rock Beach consists of layers of sedimentary rock that have been eroded by seawater over thousands of years. This has created a fascinating landscape that is both scenically valuable and geologically distinctive. Overall, the rock formations on Co To seem to be considerably older than those in many other ancient rock regions.
What makes Co To's rocks unique is their soft structure, which has developed distinctive shapes and patterns through erosion by seawater. The majestic mountain ridges jutting out into the vast sea also bring to mind the claws of a dragon. This is why Cau My Rock Beach was renamed Dragon Claw Rock Beach in 2015.
A rocky carpet shaped by nature. Photo: reatimes.vn
The sea recedes in the morning, revealing the rocks below. Photo: reatimes.vn
3.2 Admire the Beautiful Sunrise
A sunrise over the sea always stirs feelings that are hard to put into words. Dragon Claw Rock Beach is especially captivating, with its blue sea, white sand, and majestic mountains blending together. As the sun begins to rise, the enchanting patterns running along the mountainside seem to sparkle against the sky, leaving many visitors spellbound.
If you are traveling to Co To with your loved one, this is an experience you should not miss. You can enjoy the clear, early-morning scenery together, as if your two hearts were beating as one.
Sunrise at Dragon Claw Rock Beach. Photo: VinWonders
3.3 Explore the Valley of Love
Dragon Claw Peak in Quang Ninh is not only home to majestic mountain scenery but also hides a secret revealed only when the tide goes out. This is the Valley of Love, a naturally romantic and graceful spot. Though untouched by human hands, the landscape here has a distinctive character that appears only at certain times of the day.
Step into the "Valley of Love" when the tide recedes. Photo: reatimes.vn
3.4 Take in the View of Dragon Claw Rock Beach
While waiting for sunrise, you can admire the magical beauty of Dragon Claw Rock Beach, where unusual slabs of rock jut into the sea and waves crash against the shore, sending up white spray. This is a poetic scene you should not miss if you have the chance to visit.
Admire the beauty of the rock slabs here. Photo: iVIVU
3.5 Try Some Water Sports
If you have the chance to visit Co To, be sure to try fun beach activities such as flying a kite or playing volleyball on calm-sea days. However, MIA.vn would like to point out that Dragon Claw Peak has many small pebbles and can be hazardous for anyone planning to go diving. If you want to scuba dive, be sure to go with a professional instructor to stay safe. You can also enjoy swimming in the clear blue water and make the most of a relaxing holiday.
Kayaking at the rocky beach. Photo: reatimes.vn
4 Impressive Check-In Spots Near Dragon Claw Rock Beach
4.1 Co To Lighthouse
Co To Lighthouse is often compared to the "jewel of the sea" and is a very popular tourist attraction on Co To. To get beautiful photos, you will need to climb 72 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where you can take in the whole city at a glance, with its charming little rooftops and lush green forests.
A beautiful lighthouse offering views across the city. Photo: goldencoto
4.2 Hong Van Beach
This beach is about 7 km from Co To Island and is known for its strikingly gentle beauty. Small wooden homestays line the shore, with architecture that blends harmoniously with nature. When visiting Hong Van Beach, you can also enjoy a range of fun activities, such as snorkeling to see coral reefs and kayaking.
Hong Van Beach is also a wonderful place to watch the sunrise. Photo: vietmountaintravel
4.3 Small Co To Island
Small Co To Island is often called a paradise on earth, with pristine white-sand beaches and clear blue water. The sea here is so clear that you can see marine life beneath the surface. One thing to keep in mind is that the island is uninhabited, so you will need to make a day trip if you want to visit.
You can take a wooden boat to Small Co To Island. Photo: Discover Co To
4.4 Van Chay Beach
This pristine beach has large, powerful waves, but not many pebbles, so you can enjoy diving here. In the evening, visitors to Co To can also try camping and sleeping in a tent while admiring the starry sky overhead.
Van Chay Beach is a favorite destination for many young travelers. Photo: VinWonders
We hope these helpful tips for exploring Dragon Claw Rock Beach will help you enjoy an unforgettable trip. The sight of rock slabs arranged in layers and rising like steps, sculpted by nature, is sure to captivate anyone.